The Victorian Coalition Government will provide a grant of $560,000 over 4 years to support a leadership program for the Alpine Valleys’ brightest talent, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced today.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Dr Sykes said the annual Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program would cater for up to 24 emerging and current business and community leaders from the region.

“The Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program focuses on local issues and opportunities within the region, with mentoring and experiential education making up part of the program,” Dr Sykes said.

“The program comprises 24 days of activity, including workshops, seminars, industry visits, weekend retreats, a program launch and a graduation evening.”

Member for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy said the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program had a track record of delivering wonderful results to businesses and communities across the region.

“It is very encouraging to see the amount of people who come out of the program with a whole new leadership mindset, gained from the experience,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Within twelve months of completing the program and utilising new skills and networks, graduates also participate in projects that benefit communities in the Alpine Valleys region.”

Mr McCurdy said the program provided a significant contribution to the leadership of the Alpine Valleys region, taking into account the need for diverse leaders who come from different areas and backgrounds.

Mr Ryan said funding for the program would be provided to the North East AgCare Inc from the Regional Community Leadership Program which is part of the Coalition’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“The Regional Community Leadership Program provides $6 million over 4 years to support Community Leadership Programs to plan, develop and deliver leadership programs throughout regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Regional Community Leadership Program will strengthen the leadership capacity of the businesses and community organisations in regional and rural Victoria and facilitate the emergence of local leaders in business and the broader community”.